Yakima County, WA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- 500+ expected attendees
- Application deadline
- 60 days before event
- Max permit length
- 16 consecutive days
- Cash deposit or bond
- $10,000
- Liability insurance
- $500k/occurrence, $1M aggregate
- Distance from habitation
- 300 feet, waivable in writing
- Permitted hours
- 6:00 a.m. to 12:01 a.m.
Summary
Any gathering of 500 or more people in unincorporated Yakima County, from a street fair to a concert, needs a festival permit under YCC § 8.10.030 filed at least 60 days out. Permits run up to 16 days, require Sheriff and fire marshal sign-off, and smaller events can opt in voluntarily.
No person shall knowingly allow, conduct, hold, maintain, cause to be advertised, or permit a festival in the unincorporated area of the county unless a valid permit has been obtained as required by this chapter. One such permit shall be required for each festival. A permit may be granted for a period not to exceed 16 consecutive days... No festival shall be operated in a location which is closer than 300 feet from any house, residence or other human habitation as measured from the sound source; provided, however, that this section shall not apply if the owner of each residence within said distance waives this requirement in writing... Festivals may be conducted between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 12:01 a.m. Monday through Sunday.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4871853; v6 updated 2026-04-21; through 04-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
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Violations & Fines
Violating any Title 8 festival provision, or an order issued under it, is a civil infraction under Chapter 7.80 RCW carrying a penalty of at least $500 per violation (§ 8.10.150). The county can also summarily revoke a permit for an emergency threat to public health, safety, or welfare, or after a hearing for a material violation of the chapter (§ 8.10.080).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people trigger a festival permit in Yakima County?
How far in advance do I need to apply?
What does the county require before approving a permit?
How close to houses can a festival be held?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima County
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